Originally Posted by Marc Barnette
I don't know a writer in history that has not felt something they did was stolen and I don't know a writer in history that hasn't felt they were unjustly accused of some infringement. There is no way around it.

But we have different approaches. If you want to copyright all day long on every song, that is your choice.I don't. I wait until there is a reason to copyright when something is going to be released.

Aha! That's the clarification I was writing was needed! Wait until there's a reason to copyright.

That's what all my examples were about. There was a reason someone should have copyrighted and didn't, then got screwed. In the case of the rap song sampling a JPF artist, that song was copyrighted. For me personally, I have licensing deals which means if I want something to go into those deals, I need to protect it immediately.

Feeling something of mine was stolen, I can cite a specific song of mine that was brought to my attention where a specific section (publicly released and performed) sounded as if it was sampled, not copied, from my song and then used as a basis for a song that went #1. I thought I had my song copyrighted - unfortunately not, though it is now. Lesson learned.

I've yet to be accused of infringement, though at some point I'm sure it will happen. However, and I'm sure Brian would back me up on this, it would be a long-shot. I apparently have a pretty unique musical DNA when I have a heavy hand in the creation. I strive for the unique twist, title and sound. Like the song we wrote. It's got some sections that are unique, a blend of your country, my rock/pop, a unique title but hasn't had a sound put to it yet. As it stands it's still not copyrighted.

Jody Whitesides
A Funky Audio Lap Dance For Your Ears!
www.jodywhitesides.com